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The St. Paul Flight representing the St. Paul Composite Squadron made a safe return from the Duluth Air Show late last night:
A great time was had by all, and as always, there are many adventures and stories to tell.
We started our journey at Lt. Ron Fox's favorite O'Dark thirty time (that's 4:00AM) on Saturday morning and had clear sailing and a tail wind right to the check-in check-point at 6:15AM. Upon arrival, we were immediately put to work parking the cars of the hundreds of volunteers at the Volunteer Parking Lot, who helped at the Air Show. Lt. Ron Fox commanded the gate, C/Lt. DeMuse checked for credentials for each incoming vehicle, C/Hannigan identified make model and year, and passed them on to C/Lt. Fox who coordinated car and truck parking. And we marshaled cars like the professional flight line marshalers we are, until the gate was locked. For Lt. Fox, sorting and directing cars was easier than the level 20 million (or something big) Tetras challenge, and never missed a beat. We worked those ISRs until they smoked.
We were fully instructed by Cadets Fox and DeMuse on the correct way to pronounce each vehicle and their capabilities. The traffic was halted and cleared on the westbound lanes of the highway in front of us at 11:00AM and we were able to officially welcome the Air Force Thunderbird Pilots and their Crews as they were escorted by Police to their planes. They loved us and we cheered them on, both days. Nothing gets by Lt. Ron.
It's a very good thing we came prepared with water and food because we were iscolateted from the show-site. The Shuttle Bus was our life-link, and we alternated for R&R and grabbed a few minutes of the show each time. Food and credentials were delivered around noon. After a very long day we were relieved from duty at 6:00PM and reported directly to Outback Steak House for RF (Real Food) conditioned air, and debriefing. We met a newly graduated Encampment Cadet who introduced himself and his family to us, while dining. He was so jazzed about CAP and the 12th CGT that he all but begged to go with us the next day. Nobody can turn that kind of enthusiasm down, so Capt. Markegard finally relented and invited him to join us in the morning. We spent the rest of the evening chillaxing in the pool and hot tub while the Cadets met up again with the new Cadet to show off their twisty water slide proficiencies. Cadet Johnson probably got the most flights down the slide, followed by C/Fox and C/DeMuse. We were returned to our tents and were asleep by 10:30pm.
We enjoyed a nice breakfast in the morning, picked up our new recruit, then reported for briefing. We were again assigned to the Volunteer Parking Lot where we relieved and were received by the "very-happy-to-see-US", Police Officer. All our volunteers were waiting for us, and happy to have us park them again. We were able to send the Cadets to the Show, and most took in a great deal of it. It was apparent that the cars weren't going anywhere until after the show, and we were relieved at 1:30PM. We then took in as much of the vendors as possible. Perhaps Cadet Hannigan collected the most swag but Cadet Johnson ran a close second. By far and away, Cadet Hannigan was the most diligently recruited Cadet by every branch of the Military.
We wound our way to the VIP Tent where the Cadets could meet and speak with any performer in the Air Show. The Pilots and Crews of the Thunderbirds were also working this room, and several Cadets were able to meet and have photos taken with them. We also found the buffet lines of food and front row seats for the T-Birds.
The Air Force Thunderbirds Show was dedicated to all Military Members past and presently answering the call of duty and serving. The Pilots of the T-Birds honored two Service Members from the Duluth Area for outstanding service to our Country Squadron, and the community. That was the official start of the precision pre-flight show on the ground, and escort of the Pilots to the planes. It was a very clean, knife-edged-sharp and just as impressive and smart as the Marine Drill Competitions. Then they took to the air, and you all know how absolutely beautiful that is. We had fun watching the crowd, especially during the surprise passes.
Fellow members of CAP, it is a privilege to be able to work with our Cadets. Our Cadets are courteous and really impressed every visitor with their respectful demeanor and helpful information at the Volunteer Parking Lot. They are were always eagerly willing to help any embarking or disembarking passenger from the shuttle bus. They greeted and thanked the bus drivers each time they utilized the bus service and the volunteers manning the bus stop sites. They were even thanked, "thank you for parking us...." as the volunteers were leaving the lot.
Special thanks to Lt. Ron Fox for arranging this event , making it happen and driving the Van. Thank you also to Capt. Markegard and his infectious humor. Somehow he can manage to make us laugh about even the worst situations. Most of all, thank you to the parents who sent your children and entrusted us with your Cadets: DeMuse, Fox, Hannigan and Johnson. They did an outstanding job representing Civil Air Patrol, our Squadron and you.
Semper Vigilans!
Amy Pahr, 1Lt - DCFC
up2pahr@usfamily.net
651-459-9824/>
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